Warning! This chapter contains scenes of violence and blood, it's up to you whether you read it or not!
Two days had passed since Evo had his first duel with the Golems.
During that time, he ventured deep into the nest, advancing relentlessly and destroying every golem that stood in his way.
– Har, har, har... I've been here... har, har... for almost three days now. During that time, I found plenty of them. Who would've thought this nest was so big and filled with Small Golems – he said, breathing heavily, sweat dripping as he used his sword, planted in the ground, for support.
– Well, at least it's over! – His head turned, looking at the countless shattered golem parts scattered across the cavern.
– Also, the fact that my strength increased a bit, along with my swordsmanship, helped finish this faster... Ufaaa... I got quite used to smashing them, that helped too. Now, let's see how much I've grown stronger.
– Status!
[Divine Status]
Name: Daniel Roberts → Evo Eylam
Age: 17 → 14
Race: Human
Existence: None → Progress: Level 30
Level: 4 → 17
Experience: 320 XP
Title: [Blessed by Time] → 0%
Strength: 17 → 24
Dexterity: 15 → 22
Perception: 26 → 33
Intelligence: 19 → 25
Charm: 21 → 25
Luck: 5 → 2
Skills: [Basic Sword Art] → 35%, [Eyes of Pride] → 11%, [Future Prediction] → 13%
Authority: None
Element: None
Quests: None
– Tsk! – He clicked his tongue in frustration.
– I destroyed so many and I'm still just a bit over halfway through the first existence class – he said with a grimace.
– It's because of the experience curve. The higher the level, the more experience it takes to advance... humm, harrr... – No helping it – he said, scratching his head.
– I'll have to find another bunch of monsters. Let's get out of here – he turned, walking toward the cave exit.
– At least my three skills improved a bit in proficiency, especially [Future Prediction]. I've gotten used to using it, and it's not as exhausting as before, though it still drains me. Maybe once I reach 1 proficiency point, it'll finally ease up.
Outside, guards were waiting anxiously for his return. Their faces showed concern. They had offered to accompany the young master into the cave for protection, but Evo refused immediately.
– No! You'll stay here! Just guard the entrance and make sure no other monsters get in.
– If you come with me, the whole purpose of my expedition here is lost... I'm here for real combat experience, not a stroll. So stay put!
And so, they stayed by the entrance, waiting for him to come back.
– Captain, maybe we should go after the young master. He's been in there for two days. Something might've happened.
– Humm? – The captain tapped his chin, thoughtful. – Alright, let's go in–
– Man, aren't you all underestimating me a bit too much? – Evo emerged from the cave, hands in his pockets, staring at the soldiers.
– Young master, you've returned! – The captain hurried over, checking if he was missing any limbs.
The men's eyes welled with tears, overjoyed at his safe return.
– Huh? What's this, did you all turn into maidens? Hahahahaha! Relax, no need for those faces, I'm fine – he said, shrugging.
Everyone calmed down, returning to their usual stoic expressions.
– But we'll have to stay here for a few more days until I reach the beginner class. With a bit of luck, we'll be done in three days—much faster than I planned – he said with a confident grin.
The captain nodded in agreement.
– Very well, young master. Would you like to rest first before we proceed?
– No! I want to get this over with and head home before departing for the academy. Does anyone know of monsters a bit stronger than the golems? – he asked, scanning the group.
– Hummm, young master, I know a place – one of the knights in the back raised his hand.
– Hoooh, you! Speak – he pointed at the man, nodding approvingly.
– Yes, sir!
– Further east from here lies the den of the pilgrim coyotes. I've been there a few times. It's breeding season now, so there should be plenty. If you wish, we can head there. They'll make fine prey for you, young master.
– Sounds like a good spot. I might just reach level 30 there – Evo thought, arms crossed, staring at the ground in thought.
– Alright! You! Lead the way.
They set off toward the coyotes' territory, crossing a stream and climbing small hills. Two hours later, they reached a dense thicket.
– This is it, young master. Be careful, they use the tall grass to hide themselves.
Evo calmly looked around with a sly smile and replied:
– Don't worry. Hiding from me won't do them any good – he said with quiet confidence.
Around him, countless golden windows appeared, directed at the forest.
Target detected! – Target detected! – Target detected!
It was [Eyes of Pride] in action. As its description stated, nothing could hide from his sight; only the truth was permitted in his presence. Depending on the situation, that could mean many things. But here, the coyotes' concealment was completely useless.
– Young master, what do you mean by that? – asked the captain beside him.
Evo didn't bother to answer. He simply shrugged, hands still in his pockets, with that same smug grin.
Then, without warning, one of the coyotes leapt out of the bushes toward him.
– Garrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
The guards panicked as the beast lunged at Evo, shouting all at once:
– Young maasteeeer!
– Calm down... Didn't I tell you you're underestimating me too much? – he said quietly, eyes fixed on the charging coyote, grin widening.
He took a step back, hands still in his pockets, and as the beast passed by his face, he swiftly drew his sword in a rising slash toward the sky.
Vwishhhhhh!
The blade cut through the coyote's midsection, the tip pointing upward.
The beast split in half, blood splattering across Evo's face as the two halves rolled to the guards' feet.
[22 XP Acquired]
The guards stared in disbelief.
– That... was fast – they murmured in unison.
Of course, it was thanks to two factors they didn't know about: [Eyes of Pride] and [Future Prediction]. The synergy between those two was absurd—one revealed what normal eyes couldn't see, and the other predicted exactly where the enemy would strike. Together, they were practically a cheat.
Turning his face with an almost innocent smile... almost, Evo said softly:
– Didn't I tell you? Rummm... I'm not that helpless. Well then, time to deal with the rest.
The guards wanted to say something, but he didn't let them.
– Listen up, there are plenty of them around us... Don't interrupt me. I'll handle them. Just enjoy the show, alright?
All the guards nodded together, like a choir.
– Great! Now, you felines... or canines... – he said, walking forward.
– Coyotes are which again? Ah, whatever – he muttered absently.
– Why don't you come out of your holes? I can see every one of you, you mangy mutts!
At once, all the coyotes attacked ferociously from every direction.
Their attacks were savage, determined to tear apart the human who dared to kill one of their own and trespass on their territory. They lunged with fangs thirsting for blood, claws craving flesh. A storm of death rained down.
– Good! Good! – Evo roared with a wide grin. – That's how it should be!
The men watched, stunned, as if witnessing the impossible. Their young master danced and smiled wildly as he tore through the coyotes. Some grazed him, leaving tears in his clothes and streaks of blood. Others bit his arms and legs, yet Evo only laughed—joyous, as if in paradise.
He grabbed coyote heads, slammed them to the ground, and crushed them underfoot. He drove his blade through skulls, the sound of bones snapping filling the air. The noise of flesh being cut, ripped, and torn echoed endlessly. His sword pierced bellies, beheaded necks, and the spray of blood reached the guards behind him—frozen, horrified by the scene before their eyes.
– Is that really the young master...? – they all thought silently, in disbelief. – ...That was beautiful!
Seven hours later.
Pling! – The silver sword dropped to the ground, its blade drenched in blood.
Looking up at the dark sky, the moon shone brightly upon his face, revealing exhaustion, dirt, and cuts.
– Arrrrr... I'm tired – he muttered, breathing in the night air.
At the edge of his sight, the carnage was clear: piles of coyote corpses scattered everywhere, blood flowing across the ground.
Grrrrrrr!
A low growl echoed.
– Ha, one left! – he said, voice low and dull. – Alright, come! You're the last of your pack. Angry, aren't you? Seeking revenge for them...? – still facing away, he watched from the corner of his eye.
Arrrrrrrrrrr! – A roar from deep within its soul erupted.
The beast lunged with all its strength, determined to tear apart the enemy before it.
Arrggggggg! – It leapt at Evo, who slowly raised his arm, weary.
Clack! – The coyote's fangs sank into his arm, shaking him as blood dripped down.
– Young master! – The guards rushed toward him in panic.
– It's fine! Stay there – he said, raising his free hand to stop them.
He looked at the coyote hanging from his arm with cold, lifeless eyes.
– ...Got you.
Hirr! – The monster froze, sensing something wrong.
When it looked into those golden, icy eyes gleaming under the moonlight, it saw something terrifying.
Rirrrr... – A devilish smile spread across his lips.
Pulling a dagger from his back pocket, he stabbed it into the creature's skull.
The beast released his arm and fell, twitching before going still.
[22 XP Acquired] → [Level 30 Reached] → [Awaiting confirmation to begin evolution] → [You can no longer gain levels until evolution is complete] → [All levels will be stored until evolution is finalized] → [Evolve now?]
Evo read all the notifications and sighed, leaning against a tree.
– Let's get this over with. But first... Captain! – he called, his voice dragging.
– Yes, young master, how may I assist you?
– I'll be completing my first evolution now. Could you, please, stand guard and protect me?
– Of course, young master. Proceed with peace of mind; we'll protect you – said the captain, thumping his chest confidently. – Just endure the pain. I believe in you.
– ...What was that? – Evo muttered.
– Nothing, young master. Go ahead, we'll be right here. Take this as well, it might help – he said, drawing a rune on the ground that formed a barrier around Evo.
– Whatever... Thanks. Now, step back – he said, waving his arm.
– Alright, let's begin.
Sitting in a meditative position, the energy around him grew dense, seeping into his pores. His body began to crack and pop; bones shattered and rebuilt rapidly, over and over again. Black liquid seeped from his pores and orifices.
– Arrrrrrr! –
He let out a deep, agonized scream.
– Damn it! This pain is hellish! – he roared. – That soldier was talking about this... Ghhkkk! – he grunted in agony.
The barrier around him began to fracture as he dug his nails into his thighs.
– Endure! Endure! Endure! – he muttered through gritted teeth.
The barrier shattered into shards, and golden energy with silver particles enveloped him, sinking into his body until it finally stabilized.
When it ended, the area around him was a disaster—trees broken, ground crushed as if gravity itself had descended there.
– Arrrrr... Arrrr... Arrrrr... – he breathed heavily.
– Damn it... will I have to go through this every single time? – he groaned like an old man.
Looking around, he saw the destruction.
Blingggg!
[Class: Beginner Achieved!]
– Finally... thank goodness. Sniff... sniff... sniff... blerrr! I smell like a sewer! Gross – he said, sniffing himself and grimacing.
– I need a bath. Badly – he muttered, massaging his shoulder.
– Humm? What's this? – he felt something cold on his shoulder as he brushed his hand across it.
Grabbing it, he brought it in front of his face.
Looking at it with wide, confused eyes, he asked:
– How the hell did this end up on my shoulder?
In his hand, a small white serpent slept peacefully, as if it were the most comfortable place in the world.
– Man... – he scratched his chin. – How did this snake even get here...?